If you’re a sufferer, you may wonder whether certain foods and dietary choices can help you manage your condition.
There is currently no conclusive evidence that a specific diet has an effect on the frequency or severity of asthma attacks.
However food comes into play as it relates to allergies. Food allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to specific proteins in food. In some cases, this can result in asthma symptoms.
For most people, the usual symptoms of food allergies are hives, a rash, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If you have severe food allergies that trigger symptoms of an asthma attack, you will likely experience the symptoms followed by coughing and wheezing. And, if not caught quickly, anaphylaxis could set in.
Here’s the thing, good nutrition is important for everyone, and especially so for people with chronic diseases. If you’re not fuelling your body with the right nutrients, you might be at a higher risk of illness and have a harder time fighting respiratory viruses that often trigger an asthma attack or a severe asthma emergency.
According to a study recently published in The European Respiratory Journal, adults with asthma who followed a healthy diet with less processed foods experienced fewer asthma symptoms, and had improved control over their condition. The lead researcher, Dr. Roland Adrianasolo, stated that although the research with regard to this is currently inconclusive, it strengthens the evidence that a healthy diet plays a major role in the management of chronic diseases.
So, although there is no specific diet recommended for asthma, there are some foods and nutrients that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help support the immune system and lung function:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables. Especially leafy greens like spinach, bell peppers, broccoli, blue berries, sweet potatoes, raspberries and avocados.
- Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines can lower inflammation in your body.
- Fibre and lean protein. Fibre can be found in certain fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Lean proteins include fish, chicken, tofu, and beans.
- Foods rich in vitamin D. Milk, eggs, and fish are good sources.
If you have a food allergy and your asthma is not well controlled, it will increase your risk of having a severe reaction. So, if you suffer from asthma and suspect that you may have a food allergy or intolerance, get tested.
While there is no single food or nutrient that improves asthma symptoms, it is safe to say that eating healthy, whole foods – and avoiding processed foods – may help to reduce asthma flare-ups.
Successful asthma management includes knowing the warning signs of an attack, avoiding what may trigger an attack, and following the advice of your doctor.
Source: glamourmagazine.co.uk, betterhealth.vic.gov.au, allergyfoundation.co.za, webmd.com, healthline.com, asthmaclinic.co.za, medicalnewstoday.com, yest2breathe.co.za, asthmaandlung.co.uk